Wellness through the lens of a Yogi​  I Sat 29 May:  11.45am - 12.45pm

 

Currently wellness is considered by looking into 4 categories being food, sleep, exercise and meditation and whilst considering this, the focus is mainly on the physical implications.

Eastern wellness expands on this and articulate how each of these are considered as "Medicine".  When viewed from the Yogic and Ayurvedic perspective we start to see how they influence our emotional body, mental body, our inner intellect and the spiritual realms as well as many other aspects.
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This session gives us an opportunity to expand our understanding of 4 categories and strengthens our intuitive process to help make better decisions.

Price:  Donation basis
Link:  Will be sent upon donation.  ​

 

Menopause: Lifestyle Diet & Skin  I  Register your interest

If viewed correctly, menopause is a transforming process on all levels of a woman's life, yet we are bombarded with images of what to expect which is so untrue.  Let's connect and correct our perspective on this.  

What we lack is the information about what is really happening and the choices we can make to alleviate symptoms and prevent future problems.  

From the holistic perspective of Ayurveda, symptoms indicate that we our out of alignment with our bio-rhythms and these are dictated by our unique body constitution, strengths, weaknesses, and habits.   

Let's connect and discuss how to align and alleviate symptoms.  

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Navigating Stress and Burnout - the yogic way  I  Register your interest

My Yoga research paper on BURNOUT highlighted the cost to both the organisation and individual, together with emotional lethargy and lack of self worth felt by an individual.  

As individual effectiveness drops, their commitment, job satisfaction and performance also drop. This leads to lower productivity, high absenteeism and significant pressure on the performance of the company.  I discovered even the highly educated younger individuals faced burn out, faster and in shorter timeframes.

Cost to individuals is not just financial and physical, but also mental and social. The negative feeling of overwhelm makes one feel used up and helpless. Social withdrawal makes it hard to communicate effectively, thus unable to find a resolution. Doctor’s visits are reported at 75 per cent being stress-related ailments. Physical ailments of ulcers, high blood pressure, heart attacks. Mental illnesses of anxiety, depression and anger. This cost adds to health insurance cost and medical expense.

During this session I will highlight how yogic and ayurvedic tools help to manage and overcome the effects of burnout and how one can reclaim their lives by becoming resilient, clear and functional.

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Ancient principles for Sleep   I  Register your interest

There is much to learn from the ancient yogi's in this mad mad world of fast food and internet which contribute heavily to restless sleep.  

Join us for this session where West and East meet to understand why we must make sleep as our primary focus for well being.  

Jon-Paul (JP), a financial adviser with 20 years industry experience provides insight into the biggest contributor to the western health crisis we face - your lack of sleep. He will also discuss the impact on our health and how western medicine and rehabilitation approaches this. 

Whilst Vandana Sivaranjini takes you through step by step by step understanding of the philosophy and structure of sleep and your wellbeing.

The Yogi's not only stand on their heads but they also know the secrets to a great night sleep.  During this session you will learn why the teaching from 3000 years ago is relevant to us today. 

Remember..... Only good sleep relaxes the nervous system and it's associated disharmony! ​

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Previous Wellness Talks 

Spanda:  The Universal Heartbeat

Every thought how sometimes everything just flows and sometimes it no matter what you try you feel you are hitting your head against a brick wall.  In the west we call the flow, serendipity or divine magic, however in the east we refer to it as 'SPANDA',  a universal heartbeat.  

This heart beat is accessible to us all time according to Vedic Scriptures.  It has nothing to do with chance, but how we consciously attune our lifestyle and tap into this Spanda.  

Spanda/heartbeat can also be referred to as vibrational frequency and very closely linked to our thought patterns, which governs each action we undertake, the health of our body, our relationship, how we perform in groups or teams.  Join me for this on-line session and I will share with you how to shift your current vibration to hook into the universal heartbeat - Spanda. ​

The Law of Connectivity:  Indra's Net 

We are all connected and this metaphor is beautifully explained by ancients via the "Indra Net".  Each one of us stands at the junction where the fibres of the net meet, each one of us has the responsibility to do the right thing for ourselves so that this junction stays firm.  When we loosen the efforts we need to make for ourselves, the universe becomes fragile.  We are faced with difficulties, obstacles, ill health and more.  ​
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When you are feeling lost, isolated, separated and that the world is against you, understanding this universal law will help shed light.  

When you feel, money runs out before the end of the month, when no matter what you do, it just doesn't plan out, understanding this law will help you reshape your thoughts
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When you feel, no matter what you try, you are still tired and exhausted, understanding this law will help you regain your focus. ​​

Recognising Body Imbalances

According to Ayurveda, our body is a mirror image of all the elements; earth, water, fire, air and space, which makes up the Dosha, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Once we understand the qualities of these elements we can begin to understand how they interplay in the body. An excess of one quality will imbalance another. Healing happens when all elements are playing "happily together, however lack of sleep, poor diet, seasonal changes could bring about imbalances. The body will show these imbalances a number of ways and if ignored or unrecognised (as is the case most of the time), they turn into full blown conditions. During this session we focus on Vata (air element) imbalances, its signs and symptoms and how to bring these back into harmony. ​

ghee glorious ghee

​One of the three golden liquids of Ayurveda is the unctuous, rich and full bodied friend - GHEE.  During this session we teach you how to make ghee and learn its amazing benefits from a digestive point of view and how to apply and use on your skin. You will also have the opportunity to purchase some home made ghee too.  Not to be missed!!

Mind Ego and Karma

We all hear about Karma and how we create it, but do you know how to change it?  Did you know the mind and ego contribute to Karma?  Is all Karma bad? 

Patanjali Yoga Sutra's outlines three types of Karma and the importance of how to change these. During this session we will discuss the various aspects of the mind and ego and how they contribute in the three realms of Karma. 

If you are one that keeps tripping up on the same things or are struggling to find a new path, then this session will shed some light and perhaps help you shape the mind and ego.

power of thought

​We have all heard, thoughts create things. My question is how? How does it manifest? Surely there must be some kind of exchange? Many of us have put things out into the universe, sometimes we get what we ask for, sometimes we don't. Why is that? How come some things manifest into reality and some don't. Often I have heard that there are layers of thought, classified as primary and secondary. How do you know what is your primary thought and your secondary thought? Within these questions lies the answers to how the "Power of Thought" work. Come along to this chai session and let's explore. Walk away with truly understanding how to work the magic of thoughts

head, heart coherence

What the heart wants and what the head wants can often be two different things. In many instances we suppress one or the other and carry on. In some instances the suppression can be overwhelming and lead to heart conditions of some kind. Life doesn't always give you a warning and say "no more suppressions, please", the heart simply caves in and then we must play the game of management and reduced lifestyle. Come along to this thought provoking chai session as we unravel the yogic view of the interplay between the head and the heart.  

Suited for those who love to know about yogic philosophy, those who resonate with that pull between head and heart and are interested in learning what to do, as well as those with a heart condition.

managing anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear and can turn into panic attacks. Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy classifies these as an imbalance in Vata (Air) element. Vata is related to our mental patterns (thoughts) and governs our nervous system. When our thoughts have deep impression, they trigger emotions bringing about anxiety. During this chai session we explore they types of thoughts that trigger anxiety and how to alleviate the symptoms. We share with you simple tips that you can apply immediately into your life.  ​

Invoking the energy of abundance

We could all do with a little more abundance, don't you think? Why is it that we put it out there and yet nothing happens? Some feel they have so much when they have little, yet others feel they never have enough? Why is that?

It's all to do with understanding how the "Energy of Abundance" works.  Let this chai session unravel why sometimes affirmations work and why sometimes they don't. Find out how to tap into the energy of abundance and how to invoke it, how to gift it and feel blessed. ​

Sanskrit:  Come meet Madeline

Interested in learning Sanskrit, but not quite sure?  Come along and meet Madeline. Madeline has been teaching Sanskrit for 40 years and currently teaches at the School of Philosophy. She is one of the most delightful ladies I have come across. I am floating after my sessions with Madeline as she unravels the philosophy behind each word. Madeline's teaching style is very unique. She encourages each sound to be spoken correctly, which can only be done when we release tension within the our jawbone. Facial muscles become very very relaxed.The vibrations can be felt within the body which is very soothing to the mind and heart. The grammar and the passive nature of the language will amaze you.The homework she assigns is most riveting as you write Sanskrit sentences with calligraphy pens and get entrenched into the artistry of the letters and their shapes. Finally, Madeline encourages you to research the meanings of each word and see if you can dig deep within yourself to find what it means for you.

How to be a super mum!

Many times we see mum's  not feeling like they are doing their best for their child and riddled with guilt. This brings about disharmony in the body and mind and affects the connection you have with your child. Under Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, the identity of the mother is one to be revered, it symbolises strength and softness, love and compassion, courage and care. Understanding your role as a mother is no different than mother earth herself. This helps you ignite these dormant qualities that reside within yourself and your child is able to feel these qualities, feeling nourished and connected. Also understanding how chakra (energy centres) govern a young child helps us become super mums.  Remember, the adult version of a supermum is very different from a child's version of a supermum. Join us and let us unravel the yogic view of a supermum. Let's talk about simple and practical things you can do daily, to be free of the heaviness of guilt and doubt.  ​

Managing Asthma

New Zealand has the second highest prevalence of Asthma  in the world (second to UK) according to NZ Asthma Foundation, with hospitalisation doubling in the last 30 years. These are frightening statistics especially when it occurs to children at young age. It is the outward breath that is inhibited which causes the inability to breath. Yoga asks why is the breath inhibited?  What are the thought processes that causes the lack of outward breath? Come along to this chai session as we talk about the pathology and the symptoms of Asthma and share with your simple yoga and ayurvedic remedies to help open up the airway so that you, your child or your loved ones can breath with ease. ​

Moving gracefully through Menopause

When should menopause happen?  Why is it that some women experience menopause during their early 40's and other experience it in their 50's, whilst in the past it was in the 60's?  Why is it there is a general acceptance that going through menopause at an early age is ok? Why do some women experience various conditions such as hot flushes, anxiety and depression, whilst other do not?   Not everyone needs to suffer through menopause and not everyone needs to go through this at an early age.  We invite you all to come along to this chai session and  let's discuss how we may delay onset of menopause and  how can we age gracefully without symptoms.

breathing and weight loss

Can this be true?  Can breathing really help with weight loss or is this just another new thing in the market that people will run to?  Do we need to know the reason for gaining weight to then find our way to  weight loss or can we just start breathing and pounds will fall away?  If it's so simple, why is it that this is not widely known? Under Yoga Therapy, there are certain breathing techniques that are heating and can help burn away some fat, but does not it work for everyone?  There is some validity to breathing and weight loss.  Come along to our wonderful chai session and lets unravel this topic together.  Let us share with you anatomy and physiology for the respiratory system and why breathing may work for some people and not others. ​

laughter, the medicine within

During this session we will be sharing with you the "Tantric practices of Rasa Sadhana".  Simple effective tools on how to connect with the essence of laughter.  We will also share with you why laughter changes the biochemistry of the body and how it becomes the medicine within to heal and start feeling the fullness of life. 

It is a good time to reflect on how many time a day do you smile?  How many times a day do you laugh?  If laughter was the cure to all our problems would you laugh more or have you lost the joy all together?  

Breaking through Depression

The World Health Organisation estimates by 2020 that depressions will be the second most common cause of ill health.   Those suffering from this illness find it hard to feel joy, they loose interest with friends, family and become socially inept. They find it difficult to concentration and unable to have a good night sleep.  It's a condition that can easily be swept underneath the carpet and can go undiagnosed.   There are a number of reasons for suffering Depressions, relationship breakups, job loss, financial instability, loss of a loved one, unresolved issues from the past.  At this chai session we discuss the Yoga Therapy and Ayurvedic view of depression and provide hints and tips on how to ensure this condition does not go undetected.  

For some pre-reading, click here to read the article "The Black Dog" in April/May issue of FITNESS LIFE magazine.  Jenna Moore a well-known beauty editor and health writer has written an article "The black dog" talking about her journey through depression.

Burnout:  Healing and Prevention

We don't often realise the process of burnout until it starts to show signs in our physical body.  Anxiety, depression, sleepless nights and negativity are some of the symptoms of burnout.  If they exist for a prolonged period of time they can lead to "Burnout".  All of us experience burnout at some level.  What level is it manageable and at what level does it possess a threat to our health?  Come along to this session and let us shed light on this matter. Let us outline the symptoms in details and methods on how we can prevent this affecting our lives. ​

Sleep, please help me sleep

We have all been gifted to have a restful night sleep.  Somewhere along the line someone has designed our incredible sleep cycle which allows our body to repairs and rejuvenates resets our internal body clock.  Despite this gift and designed so many of us are unable to get a good night sleep.  We toss and turn and often wake up in the middle of the night, unable to get back to sleep.  Our minds start to think of things we have to do the next day and unable to switch off.  For some of us, we sleep a good 8-9 hours and still wake up lethargic and tired.  Why?  what's stopping our natural sleep process and interfering with our sleep cycle?  What does the ancient wisdom of Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda say about this? Come share a chai and let's discuss this topic and see if ancient wisdom has something we can take away and practice for that perfect sleep.   Other aspects we can explore are ....

Mother and Baby - Postpartum Recovery

Bringing a new live onto this earth is a universal blessing.  The journey from conception, pregnancy to birth is the time to be most joyous and uplifting, so that your unborn child becomes enveloped in these vibrations

The body goes through immense changes and our lifestyle, habits and mind-set needs to be accommodation to ensure a smooth experience.  Both Eastern and Western worlds are aware that the body needs to heal after birth to support both the mother and the baby.  Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda have a prescribed method on how this is achieved and takes into account the individual requirements of the mother and baby. 

During this chai session, both Gerald and Vandana takes you though the traditional house-keeping aspects of postpartum recovery. Topic discussion includes:

• Healthy clean living and herb formula's to assist with clearing the uterus and increase breast milk flow
• Importance of  40 day recovery programme
• Importance of regaining internal muscle strength
• Why mother and baby massage are crucial during this 40 day period
• What is "mothering the mother" principle and why this is important
• Why the Birthlight Mantra of "No guilt, no blame, no shame" should be followed

Yogic approach to Pain Management

Yoga view’s pain as a critical signs in our lives, perhaps to change jobs, make healthier social decisions, change our thoughts and habits.  Left unchecked, we are on a merry go round moving from one symptom to another.  From pain, to sleepless nights, to agitation of the mind and internal frustration due to feeling debilitated.  Each cell in our body is replaced every 7 years and we have the opportunity to lift ourselves out of our pain.  It requires awareness of thoughts and emotions.  It requires knowledge from a different perspective which is what yoga therapy provides.  Over a cup of chai we discuss the following:

• What is pain? Is it physical wear and tear and once worn, can it be healed? 
• Do our thoughts and emotions trigger pain? if so, how do we know which thoughts?
• Why do you have one type of pain and somebody has another - is it genetic or thought related?
• Is it a sign for us to re-assess our bodies and how we do things or how we live our lives?
• Why do we turn to pain killers and keep marching forward?  Why not stop and reassess?
• What are our options to be pain free?
• What is yogic anatomy of pain management and how does the concept of min-body connectedness help manage pain?
• What simple tools can be applied to help ease and eliminate pain?

If you are interested in any of these, kindly get in touch and we can arrange to do these again.  

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Have any questions, get in touch.